HDMI 2.1 will offer: 8K60 and 4K120, Dynamic HDR

HDMI Specification 2.1 is the most recent update of the HDMI specification, featuring advanced features for the HDMI ecosystem. It supports a range of higher video resolutions and refresh rates, including 8K60 and 4K120, Dynamic HDR, and increased bandwidth with a new 48G (48 Gbps) cable. Version 2.1 of the HDMI Specification is backward compatible with earlier versions of the specification, and it also introduces an interesting new mode: Game Mode VRR, which by itself supports variable refresh rate, which “enables a 3D graphics processor to display the image at the moment it is rendered for more fluid and better detailed gameplay, and for reducing or eliminating lag, stutter, and frame tearing.” This new Game mode spec, which is similar to the G-Sync and FreeSync technologies already available, will also apparently work with both PCs and consoles.

HDMI Specification 2.1 Feature Highlights include:

Higher Video Resolutions support a range of higher resolutions and faster refresh rates including 8K60Hz and 4K120Hz for immersive viewing and smooth fast-action detail.

Dynamic HDR ensures every moment of a video is displayed at its ideal values for depth, detail, brightness, contrast, and wider color gamuts-on a scene-by-scene or even a frame-by-frame basis.

48G cables enable up to 48Gbps bandwidth for uncompressed HDMI 2.1 feature support including 8K video with HDR. The cable is backwards compatible with earlier versions of the HDMI Specification and can be used with existing HDMI devices.

eARC supports the most advanced audio formats such as object-based audio, and enables advanced audio signal control capabilities including device auto-detect.

Game Mode VRR features variable refresh rate, which enables a 3D graphics processor to display the image at the moment it is rendered for more fluid and better detailed gameplay, and for reducing or eliminating lag, stutter, and frame tearing.

Also interesting is the built-in support for object-based audio, which means you’ll be able to use the new cables and ports with Dolby Atmos sound and similar technologies. Object-based audio such as this expands the previous 5.1 and 7.1 setups to include numerous speakers which are placed around a room to create an all-enveloping, “3D” sound experience.

The new specification will be available to all HDMI 2.0 Adopters and they will be notified when it is released early in Q2 2017.